The scientist didn't waste another second. With a sharp turn of his head, his crimson coat flaring behind him, he motioned for them to follow as he made his way deeper into the lab.
" Careful where you step," he muttered, already reaching for a pair of thin gloves from a nearby tray. " Some of these experiments are far less forgiving than they look."
They followed closely behind. Atlas and Drogo lingered near the entrance of the section, their colossal forms drawing curious glances from nearby researchers, but neither dragon moved far—both watching, alert and protective. The scientist arrived at a reinforced workstation—one far more organized than the rest. Glass panels, metallic arms, and intricate measuring devices surrounded it, all clearly designed for handling volatile substances. He extended his hand. " Vial."
Starfania hesitated only for a heartbeat…then placed it carefully into his gloved grasp.
The moment it touched his hand, his entire demeanor shifted. Focused. Precise. He set into a secured holder, adjusting small dials and levers as faint humming filled the air. A thin beam of light passed through the dark liquid, causing it to ripple in unnatural patterns.
" …Fascinating," he murmured under his breath. As he worked, he casually adjusted his cloak over his shoulder—though there was nothing casual about the sharpness in his tone when he spoke next.
" Tell me something," he said, not looking at them. " How did you come into possession? of a poison… that not even Lyam himself could locate?"
The question hung heavy. He glanced at them briefly now, one brow slightly raised.
" Seems rather dangerous, if you ask me. Especially for a group your age." His gaze sharpened. " There's no logical reason you should've been anywhere near a VulcanFire encampment."
Aeron shifted slightly. Violet's expression tightened. But Starfania—she stepped forward.
" Cantina sent me," she said simply. The scientist's hand froze mid-adjustment. For the first time since they'd met him—he fully turned to face her. " …What did you just say?"
Starfania met his gaze steadily. " She told me to find Lyam. That mission led us to the VulcanFire encampment. That's where we found the vial."
Silence. The kind that didn't belong in a place like this. Even the hum of machinery seemed to dull for a moment. The scientist stared at her. Then—his eyes widened. Not dramatically, but enough.
" …Cantina?" he repeated, slower this time. His gaze sharpened, studying her—really studying her now. Then, with obvious skepticism laced in his voice, he asked: " …Are you telling me…"
A pause. " …that you're the new Dragon Savior everyone's been whispering about?"
The air shifted. Even the nearby scientists seemed to slow, sensing the weight of the moment. Aeron glanced at Starfania. Violet held her breath. Atlas, from behind, let out a low, steady rumble. Waiting. Because this—this was no longer about the vial. It was about her.